Set Sail for Stewardship: Embark on an Adventure at Hill-Stead’s Choose Your Adventure Annual Gala-Parties
Dear Supporters,
The moment has come to inscribe your own chapter in Hill-Stead’s storied legacy. For this year’s galas, we’re unfurling the delights of Hill-Stead during two of Connecticut’s most charming seasons. We cordially invite you to seize the reins of your own adventure as unique as a starry spring night or the splendor of a warm summer’s glow. Nestled amidst the whispers of over a century of history, experience the elegance and embrace of Hill-Stead as a timeless testament to grandeur and grace. Its halls have welcomed dignitaries, families, friends, and visitors from every corner of the globe. Hill-Stead weaves together a tapestry of memories that echo laughter, ignite the sparkle of celebration, and evoke coos that caress like the plushness of sheep’s wool enveloping all who enter. And if these walls could talk, they would share the melody of stories built into every brick and beam, inviting you to become a part of their timeless narrative.
As we look towards the future, Hill-Stead stands as a beacon of inspiration for the arts, promising to nurture creativity, foster innovation, and shepherd a legacy that transcends generations.
An Evening in the Cotswolds, an Intimate Affair in the Sunken Garden
Thursday, May 23, 6 pm (SOLD OUT!)
Thursday, May 23 will be a date of magic and marvel. As the sun dips low on the horizon, casting its golden embrace over Hill-Stead’s manicured grounds, we invite you to partake in an opulent affair nestled within the verdant embrace of our Sunken Garden.
Drawing inspiration from Theodate’s cherished memoirs of the Cotswolds, we’ll transport you across oceans and epochs to an English-style garden party unlike any other. Imagine a string quartet welcoming you into the garden adorned with elegant period fine dining and decor alongside delicacies that tantalize the palate. Each sip of wine’s notes hint at a symphony of flavor, and the dinner course will blossom melodies with its fragrant blooms, serenading the evening with its dulcet tones.
Get ready to be captivated by our live auction, featuring items that pay homage to Theodate’s vision of Hill-Stead’s boundless versatility. It’s not just about bidding on treasures; it’s about forging new connections and sowing the seeds for unforgettable experiences yet to come. Anticipate with bated breath as the night unfolds into enchanting delight. Should the stars align and the full moon grace us with its presence, prepare for a spectacle where its warm silver glow will cast a celestial halo upon our festivities.
Seize this moment, for as the saying goes, opportunity knocks but once. With seating as limited as the embers that lit your winter fires, only 150 guests shall partake in this Sunken Garden party of the century. Waste no time in securing your place amongst the stars, for this is a journey that beckons only the boldest budding and bidding bulbs.
Tickets
$500 per person
Limited to 150 guests
Schedule
Cocktails at 6 pm
Dinner at 7 pm
*The event is rain or shine. If Mother Nature smiles upon us we shall enjoy the light of a full moon.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. For questions regarding tickets please contact Megan Olver at olverm@hillstead.org or at 860 677 4787 ex. 181.
A Summer Sunset Soirée
Saturday, September 14, 6 pm
On Saturday, September 14, immerse yourself in a captivating journey inspired by Theodate’s global wanderings. Embark on a culinary odyssey around the world as we unveil a feast as diverse and vibrant as the destinations she once traversed. Indulge in an array of exotic cuisines and libations stationed around the magnificent house she meticulously designed.
Whether you choose to recline at open-air tables scattered throughout the grounds or prefer to mingle in conversation with friends, each moment promises to transport you to distant lands and evoke the spirit of adventure. As the night continues, you’ll be serenaded by melodies echoing the rhythms of far-off places while entertainment takes center stage, beckoning you to participate in the vibrant tapestry of cultures or tapping your feet to the rhythmic live beats.
Taken during Theodate’s travels to Mexico in 1902
But the journey doesn’t end there. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, discover opportunities for learning as each dish carries tales of tradition, history, and discovery. And as the sun sets on this unforgettable soirée, take a chance at our drawing, where luck may bestow upon you a token to treasure for your very own voyage.
Join us for a toast to Theodate and to bid farewell to summer for an evening of exploration, enlightenment, and enchantment—a feast for the senses that promises to linger long after the night fades into dawn. Bring a friend or two, and let the allure of travel infuse every moment with the joy of discovery.
Tickets
$350 per person
Embrace the Adventure: Rain or Shine, Let’s Make Magic
Mother nature can be our friend or foe. And we accept her as her full, authentic self. In the spirit of adventure, whether you choose May, September, or both, let us whisk you away on a journey unlike any other. Rain or shine, our indoor backup plan ensures the magic continues unabated. So, gather your companions and prepare to uncover the hidden treasures of Hill-Stead like never before. With abundant good cheer and enthusiasm, we invite you to join us for evenings to remember—a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering generosity and support. Whether you can join us or not, let’s make memories together at this truly unique place, where every moment celebrates our shared love for art, history, and the joy of discovery.
Thank you to our Sponsors
LEAD SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
Barb & Russ Jones
Rafeena Bacchus & Mark Lee
Marie & Tom O’Brien
Dan & Jan Tracy